Experience the Art of Echizen Tile Making
Discover the craft behind "Kawara" (traditional Japanese roof tiles) through an exclusive factory tour and hands-on workshops. At our active production site, you can work alongside professional artisans to create your own "Mini Onigawara" (ogre-faced tile) or test your strength with a "Kawara-wari" (tile-breaking) challenge.
The Beauty of Echizen Tiles
The traditional landscape of Fukui is defined by Echizen Kawara—specialized roofing tiles designed to withstand the region’s unique climate and snowy weather. During the factory tour, you will get an inside look at the specialized manufacturing process that brings these durable tiles to life.
Exclusive Hands-on Activities
Following the tour, you can participate in two unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else:
Kawara-wari (tile-breaking) : Experience the exhilarating challenge of breaking roof tiles right inside the factory where they are made.
Mini Onigawara Making: Use traditional molds to craft your own decorative "ogre tile."
| Duration | Factory Tour & Kawara Tile Breaking Experience 55min or more Factory Tour & Mini Onigawara Craft Experience 65min or more |
|---|---|
| Group Size | 1-30 |
| Age Range | Ages6 to 80 |
| Price (per person) | Factory Tour & Kawara Tile Breaking Experience 1 Roof Tile Course ¥500 5 Roof Tile Course¥2,000 10 Roof Tile Course¥4,000 Factory Tour & Mini Onigawara Craft Experience ¥5,500 |
| Included | Experience Fee. Shipping for the mini onigawara not included. |
| Advance Booking | 12:00 PM one days in advance. |
| Cancellation | Same-day cancellation or no-show: 100% of the reservation fee. |
| Meeting Point | Echizen Ceramica 5-12 Ikenoue-cho, Echizen City, Fukui 915-0873, Japan |
| Meeting Time | 5 minutes before the start time |
| Start Time | 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 |
| Access | About 12 min by car from Hapi-Line Takefu Station. |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Notes | Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and clothing that minimizes exposed skin. The completed Mini onigawara will be fired and shipped internationally. Delivery takes about 2.5 months, with shipping fees paid separately on the day. |